mcnach

[quote name='smaz' timestamp='1439237569' post='2841222'] I had a gig not long ago where once we'd finished soundchecking, the next bass player asked me if he could borrow my amp as he didn't have one. I was a little annoyed, but I couldn't say no - my gear was there, set up. But to then ask me if he could borrow a cable too, as he didn't bring one of them... C'mon, at least make an effort or ask in advance. I almost offered to play the gig for him, too. [/quote] you should have! [quote name='smaz' timestamp='1439237569' post='2841222'] I don't expect every bass player from every band we play with to have fantastic gear, transport, or whatever else - but I expect them to make an effort in making sure the gear situation is covered. Turning up unprepared is poor form. [/quote] exactly. That's what gets to me, how often people act as if they were entitled to stuff... I stopped being generally helpful with sharing when I was feeling that I was just being a fool, and taken for granted. [quote name='smaz' timestamp='1439237569' post='2841222'] It sounds like you've done the right thing in trying to find out what's going on & making sure there's gear there. Just be honest with the other guys, offer to help if there's any way you can and always thank whoever leant you their gear. If it's the headline band & you've got a train to catch, just say - I'd rather someone say to me that they have a bus to catch, than disappear. [/quote] voice of reason here, well said.

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1439236269' post='2841205'] Plus, inevitably if the headliners have provided it all, many of the other bands then go home once their set is over. Having a bit from each is a good way of stopping this. [/quote] if you depend on holding other bands hostage to have an audience... something is wrong there. I never understood that rationale. My first gig with one of my first bands we had... seriously, less than 10 people, and 4 of them must have been friends of ours. We were the first band, very early, on a Sunday. In time, that changed. It happens, and it's ok. I'd hate to think people are there because they're just waiting for me to finish so that they can get to their amp that they lent to me.

[quote name='Cameronj279' timestamp='1439226969' post='2841045'] This is basically a "what would you do" question but needs quite a bit of explaining. Here's my post from Daily Annoyances thread which does so : Booked for a multi-band gig type thing. Used this 'promoter' before and had no issues. This time however has been quite different. Picked up the tickets for it last week and messaged one of the people working there asking if backline is provided as we were under the impression that it was but weren't 100% sure. Waited 3 days to get a reply that was less than helpful but it basically said "full backline minus breakables provide but can you bring your own guitar and bass amps?". Replied saying no we couldn't but will cabs/drum kit and P.A be provided? to which I still haven't had a reply. So I phoned the events manager today who said backline is to be provided by the bands. None of my band drive so taking gear from one place to another isn't easy (especially if it's cabinets/the guitar amps). This wouldn't be an issue if any of us drove and had our own gear that was to a standard of being able to be gigged (I don't even have a cab as there's no point when I can't transport it from home to gig!). I'm mostly annoyed at the lack of professionalism by the promoter as the other bands that are on that night were also under the assumption that backline would be provided (one band were even told not to bring any gear!). No backline being provided for established bands is understandable as they will often be in a position to afford and transport equipment but when it's a gig that's being put on for local/small/unsigned type bands it's almost a given that these bands can't always afford full gigging equipment. Okay now you've read that the promoter finally replied today simply saying "I'll get another band to supply equipment." But quite frankly I don't really feel comfortable using other bands gear for the same fact I don't feel comfortable other bands using my gear. I certainly don't want to have to allow other bands to use my amp head. Even excluding the fact I don't want to risk other people breaking it, I don't even know if I'll be able to stay in the venue till the other bands are even finished due to bus/train times! Ideally I don't want to cancel the gig as I think we have quite a few people coming but I don't really feel comfortable with the way it's been conducted. What would you do in my situation? [/quote] It's a tough one. The 'hard ass' guy in me thinks that if you want to gig, you need to have the equipment to do so (and a way to transport it, whether it is your own car, or a friend who helps or whatever). The idea that younger bands are somehow expected to be given a free ride seems weird to me. Even when I was a lot younger! It really isn't that costly, when it comes to gear. My first bass amp was not a MarkBass or Genz Benz. My first amp was a Behringer BX4500T head, and a matching 2x10 cab that I bought used for the princely sum of £100, about 7 years ago. Was it excellent? No. But it made suitable noises and kept me going. You don't need to spend a lot to own equipment that works. Transport etc is a tougher one. And basically, if you can't transport your gear, you're going to either forget about gigging until you can, or compromise a lot: either only play gigs that are close enough and accessible enough, or open your mind to sharing what you do have so that you can borrow what you don't. Both are quite limiting: when you borrow you may not like what you end up playing with (sometimes it's terrible), and when lending you often become a hostage and have to wait for others to finish using your stuff. It sucks, but if you cannot afford to use your own gear, what other options are there? If you think it sucks but better that than no gigs, then suck it up, sigh, and proceed If not... wait until you're ready. I bought a little combo (MarkBass CMD121p) because it's easily transportable, takes little space and nobody objects to your bringing that when there's already another big amp on stage, and it works very well as a stage monitor. I very rarely share these days. I do have transport and that's not a problem, but space is sometimes... so I can show up with my little combo to those gigs, play, and go. It's not a big problem anyway in teh kind of gigs I normally play, but sometimes we do play those multiband gigs and are asked that bands sort out their backline shares. Frankly, I don't think we should encourage those gigs. A drum kit takes time to set up, ok, I get that. But amps? Really? How long does it take people to set up? The days where a big bass cab was the only way are long gone. Nice when we can have it, but not *needed*. So if guitar combos are ok to bring in and out, so are bass rigs, they're not that much bigger... and if they are, that's teh owner's problem! If they're happy to move it about, fantastic. I was once asked by a Glasgow band we were suporting to use my amp (coming from Edinburgh) because their bass amp was a 410 combo and was heavy, and it was hard to park near the venue. The cheek! How did they think I was arriving? And if your amp is too heavy for you... get a smaller one! Nah, that day I needed to leave right after the gig because... I don't know, I needed to wash my hair or something. Their amp showed up onstage without trouble. Sorry, but a lot of people are just lazy and/or want the freedom to walk about without gear, so they save transport, they can drink etc... Get your priorities right. I'm not playing ball. And you know what? We don't struggle to get gigs Ok, rant over! So, to the OP: I really sympathise, I really do. And if you and I end up in the same bill, I will happily share with you even if I don't yet know you personally. I do share. Several members here have played through my gear. But I share with people I know or like or respect or all of the three. I know how it feels to depend on others for transport/gear... I'm afraid you'll have to compromise and share a bit if you need gear too, or make sure you only do gigs where everything you need is already provided. There are a few of those too, but obviously you'll be somewhat limited in teh number of gigs you can take. If I were you, I'd save to get some small lightweight cab as soon as possible, something you may use as a stage monitor and can carry easily in a foldable trolley (or in your hand, but trolleys are great to walk around with cabs). Most gigs you will have PA to reinforce your bass, so you only really need a stage monitor. You can then easily take a taxi (share it), or bus (it'll be hard, but not impossible... ask Londoners! a lot of them use public transport for gigs)... and consider getting a new band member who owns a big car or a van Good luck!

[quote name='Treb' timestamp='1439243243' post='2841310'] Good luck making a choice... Do play one before buying, that Stingray sound can be very in-you-face. If you really want that sound go for i[b]t but remember, there is no substitute for da real thang.[/b] [/quote] I'd normally agree with you, but in this case... there sort of is a substitute: the Made in USA SUB It really depends on whether you can live with the cosmetic differences. Same pickup and preamp, same neck dimensions (as a contemporary -early 2000s- Stingray)... if the lack of body contour does not bother you, or the type of finish... it is a Stingray in all but name. I'm talking about the USA ones, made between 2003-2006. You can find them used typically for £350-450, depending on condition and whether the seller is in a hurry to sell or not.

another vote for the Made in USA EBMM SUB. The white one in particular is beautiful, and they really *are* Stingrays in feel [1] and sound. [1] ok, the finish of the neck in the SUB makes it feel a bit different, but it's the same profile/dimensions.

It is a great bass! (that's the one in my avatar, I just replaced the pickguard). The neck is very very comfortable, it's my favourite thing about that bass. It is a bit wider, but the profile is kind of shallow. It feels chunky to some because of the extra width, but I think it sits beautifully in my hand... and my hands are not big at all. I'm a "tinkerer and pickup replacer", but I felt this one was beautiful just as it is. I replaced the pickgurad because I did not like the feel of the metallic one. They all have lacquered necks/fingerboard. Some are nitrocellulose. Mine is just the standard glossy lacquer. Try one before you bite the bullet, because clearly a lot of people think the neck is a bit too big. But I really don't think it's that chunky. Many budget basses have chunkier necks. The Classic 50s one is just a little wider (I love the extra spacing, myself) so it's not a slim neck. But the profile is shallow and I find it very comfortable.

Proud Jake 4 owner in Edinburgh here... P/JJ configuration passive. Another Jake 4 variant has been ordered. Really well built, these basses.

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1438795362' post='2837455'] I got an email today with Fedex tracking number... no bad! week and a half, maybe two weeks from placing order to receipt, it seems. [/quote] and they're with me today!

[quote name='Muppet' timestamp='1438845684' post='2837841'] If I order and receive an unplayable guitar and I get the guitar that I ordered and it's unplayable, err, I've got what I wanted! [/quote] Not necessarily what you wanted, as illustrated earlier , but you did get what you ordered

[quote name='the boy' timestamp='1438838316' post='2837792'] Huh?..... Are you sure about that. [/quote] Dang!!!

[quote name='Naetharu' timestamp='1438821697' post='2837768'] I'll be sure to post! Adrian tells me it should be here in three to four weeks...the longest month I have ever experienced I expect [/quote] I know the feeling!

[quote name='Naetharu' timestamp='1438810664' post='2837695'] Hi folks, Thank you so much for all your replies its been very helpful. After some careful consideration and reading what you all have to say I've bitten the bullet and ordered myself an active Maruszczyk Jake. Best wishes James [/quote] Don't forget the compulsory pictures on the Maruszczyk thread!

[quote name='jonnythenotes' timestamp='1438812140' post='2837725'] I find it more than just a coincidence that the word 'Fender' and 'ghosts' both have six letters in them. Also the word 'Fender' contains the letter 'e' which also appears in the word 'evil'. This cannot be explained away by modern science.... [/quote] Furthermore, Fender backwards is redneF! Coincidence??? I think not!!! edited because obviously I can't spell backwards

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1438797567' post='2837484'] Current listings say clearly "Decoration without warranty, without money back" [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_b_450_black_progressiv_deko.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...ressiv_deko.htm[/url] [/quote] I guess they got tired of people returning them

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1438785647' post='2837298'] I'm not complaining when they don't play, I'm taking advantage of my consumer rights to return the item if I decide I don't want to keep it. That's quite different from complaining. Being able to return an item bought at a distance within the time limit and by the prescribed means without having to have any particular reason is the whole point of the consumer law concerning distance selling, which has even been strengthened recently. [/quote] I never claimed it was not within your legal rights... only that it was, well... cheeky, in that situation. I am sure I have at one point or another taken advantage of a situation where I'm not breaking any rule but I'm being cheeky nonetheless. I'm no angel! But I will not try to convince people that I'm not being cheeky about it. That's all.

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1437914214' post='2829906'] I just ordered two for my Barefaced cabs... let's see how long it takes. [/quote] I got an email today with Fedex tracking number... no bad! week and a half, maybe two weeks from placing order to receipt, it seems.

[quote name='stuckinthepod' timestamp='1438774008' post='2837071'] I inherited this old P Bass once. Strings were decades old with an unplayable action. I stripped it down to get the action to something approaching normal and noticed some dolt had carved FUNK into the neck heel. Restrung it with fresh round wounds but could never get a good rock tone out of it. Just a thump thump thump like the strings were dead again. Plus, whenever I started to play it my right hand would cramp up to the point I could only play with one finger- Weird huh? Final straw was when I started to dream about impossible bass lines and apparently woke up one night screaming out the name Bernadette. I’ve never met anyone called Bernadette. Part ex’d it on a nice Ibanez SR and never looked back. [/quote] it would have been more spooky if you had indeed looked back, and found the old P bass following you...

[quote name='ead' timestamp='1438777564' post='2837126'] …and can be a sod to fix if they go wrong; not that any of mine have failed. Nor have I ever had to use passive as a failsafe, possibly because I change the batteries every year on the same day and I have those low battery warning lights. [/quote] no, they're very easy to fix! You just replace them! (we didn't say it'd be cheap )

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1438779663' post='2837173'] I wish I had not written my above post at about 4:20am before leaving to catch a coach with no wi-fi, there was no opportunity to rewrite it before it was read and replied to. However, I'll continue on from where the conversation has reached. While Thomann do state that these instruments are not suitable for music, it is widely known that the vast majority of them are perfectly usable for music. E.g. my taking my PJ to a bass bash and challenging people to find something wrong with it. Thomann's disclaimer does not match the facts. It is not, IMHO, unreasonable to expect that a newly purchased deko is more or less of the quality that instruments sold as dekos have been in the recent past. In the seemingly very rare case that a deko actually fit Thomann's disclaimer, then that would be a deko of near or actual unprecedented poor quality. And in that case I see nothing morally wrong with returning the instrument bought online should it not match typical deko quality. Actions speak louder than words, and Thomann's actions are that there is typically hardly anything wrong with them. [b]This makes it a very different situation from a case where Thomann had described the instruments as unsuitable for actual playing and they were actually unsuitable for playing[/b]. In which case I would agree with you that it would be strange to buy them and return them if the description fit. [/quote] Seriously? They were labeled as unsuitable for playing. Instead of being happy if you take a gamble and find that you can, actually, play many of them, you think it's ok to complain when they don't play... despite them advertising clearly that this is the outcome you should expect. Mindboggling. So I sell bottled water and label it "not for human consumption". 100 people drink it and they are ok. Person 101 gets a upset stomach, and complains... You think they have grounds for complaining? Sure. We're going to have to agree to disagree about this one, my friend.

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1438744959' post='2836859'] I do think it's right. In the same way that I can go in and check if any bass guitars in my local shop have lumps of gold stuck in the wood, and not buy them if they don't. And these are my legal rights (no quotes), not "rights" (with what the quotes imply). It's a fundamental precept of online buying that I have the right to return the goods for whatever reason I choose. And there's no way that I'm going to feel bad about doing so. Given that the overwhelming majority of the Deko instruments are playable, and are therefore being mis-described by Thomann, if anyone is sad about people buying dekos and returning them if they aren't playable, Thomann are hardly blameless in that transaction. BTW: You haven't supplied an evidenced counter-argument to what I wrote before, you've just disagreed with me. Hence, I don't need to rephrase anything, I think my previous post still stands. [/quote] erm... "you win"? hey, if you think it's right to return something that is sold as "not playable" because it wasn't playable... I have nothing to add. You may not be contravening any rules, but you're exploiting a loophole and you know it. You're happy with it? Fine. I wouldn't do that but you live however you want to live

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1438757535' post='2836879'] Which would be a great solution except that it doesn't magically make the neck of the bass wider or narrower to compensate for changing the string spacing. On a well made bass the outer strings should be equidistant from the edge of the neck along its whole length. Simply altering the string spacing at the bridge is going to change this, and IMO affect playability. The reason bridges like this exist is not so players can mess about with string spacing, but so that Schaller can sell a single version of it to all their manufacturer customers and it will fit the bass irrespective of the string spacing that has been chosen for of the OVERALL DESIGN of each different bass that the bridge is fitted to. Also having owned a bass with this particular model of bridge, I couldn't possibly recommend it as IMO it is one of the most over-complicated and difficult to adjust designs I've ever come across. I can only think of one (by Wlkinson) that was less user friendly. [/quote] Haven't you ever changed the bridge spacing on a bass? It is noticeable, the bass is playable, and it's beautiful. We're talking small changes, but noticeable small changes. Take my 75RI Jazz bass. There is a LOT of space between the edge and the 1st and 4th strings. Using the Fender threaded saddles I widened the spacing at the bridge to just over 20mm-ish. That difference is small overall and it didn't do anything... except feeling better on my plucking hand. It is a nice option for a lot of people, whether you want to believe it or not

[quote name='pete.young' timestamp='1438724799' post='2836783'] Adaptive channel selection allows you to use up to 4 of these at a time without having to configure or select anything. [/quote] Thanks! I hadn't noticed that part. That sounds alright then! I like the design much more than the G30, I have to say. If it performs similarly (or better) that would be hard to beat!

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1438717903' post='2836699'] Hence, I don't feel that there is anything immoral in any way in returning anything bought online for any reasons I choose to do so. (Note: I haven't actually returned something bought online yet, but I like having the option to and will advise others of their rights - even for dekos.) [/quote] But the dekos were never meant to be playable... the fact that most were was a "bonus". So returning it because it didn't play well is just not right, even if you take advantage of "your rights"... Now phrase it as you wish.